Filling-machine.



F. VV. LETSCH.

F|LLING MACHINE.

1 @Q70 APPLICATION FILED JULY 28,1911. Patented 29 y 9 9 SHEETS-SHEET l.

F. W. LETSCH.

FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION man IuLY 28.1911.

Patented May 29, 1917.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

F. W. LETSCH.

flume MAcHxNE.

APPLICATION FILED .IULY 28,1911- Patented May 29, 1917 jlggig?" s SHEETS-SHEET 4 F. W. LETYSCH.

FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 28.1911.

Patented `May 29, 1917.

F. W. LETSCH.

FILLING MACHINE.

APPLlcATIoN FILED JULY 28,1911.

II22?,7. l Patented May 29,1917.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

F. W. LETSCH.

FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 28,1911.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

Z4 'Z'fgew x J MV@ www.

Patented May 29, 1917.

unirsi@ srArEs retrasar ernten.

'FREDERICK W. LETscmOE BALTIMORE, MARYLANnAssIGNOn TO THE cncvvncofnk 'a sEAL COMPANY OE BALTIMORE CITY, OE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, A' CORPORATION y or MARYLAND.-

Fiume-MACHINE.

Patenten May ae, fait.

Application'led July 28, 1911i. Serial No. 640,996.

siding. at Baltimore, State of Maryland,

have invented certain new and useful lmprovements in Filling-Machines, fully described andy represented in the following specification and the accompanying- .A drawings, forminga part of the same.. rlhis invention relates to improvements in filling machines.

The principal object of the invention Yis to produce an improved machine for filling receptacles, such as bottles, with liquid under pressure, such, for instance, as carbonated water, and when desired, to supply a flavorlng extract, such as syrup, simultaneously with the filling, and also, when de sired, to apply closures to the receptacles,

the construction being of such a character that the various operations are quickly and economically carried out, thereby enabling the production of a. relatively large output with a relatively small waste. The invention further extends to the production ofv improved mechanisms to enable the principal Aobject of the inventionto be carried; gut, such mechanisms, or some of them,` hvever, being capable of use in machines. in which all the operations above indicated are not carried out.

With these and other Objects not referred to in view, the invention consists'in certain constructions and in certain parts, improvements, and combinations as willvbe hereinpresenting device and certaln parts connectafter fully described and vthen' specifically pointed out.

Referring ,to the accompanying drawings f l Figure 1 1s a front elevation of a'inachine constructed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a` sectional detail view on the line 2 of Fig. 1'.

water and syrup supplying/'means of 'the machine of .Fig.`1.

i Fig. 5 is a sectional plan view en the line 55 of Figui.

rig. .e is an enlarged; sangria View ains- Fig. 20 is a section v'2O-'20 of Fig. 18.

'trating Athe filling chambei, venting tube,

the cap supplyingmeans, and filling chainler scialing devices of the machine shown in Fig. 7 is a. section on the broken line 7--7 of Fig. 6. A

Fig. 8 is a view similarto Fig. 7 with the parts shown in another position.

Fig. vil is an enlarged sectional view illustra-ting generally `the same .parts shown in Fig. 6 but in a di'erent position.

,Fig 10 is :a section `on the line 10-10 of Fig. 9.

Figs. 11 and 12 are detail views of certain partsv connected with the cap feeding devices.

Fig., 13 is a view illustrating, mainly in side elevation, the cap controller operating Figal is a section on the broken line 1'5--15 of v6 and 13.

Fig. 16 is ,a plan view of the cap controllerl operating mechanism an the sealing block for the port in the lfilling chamber, this view also showing the filling chamber and ythe syrup pump in section.

' Fig. 17 is a ldetail view illustrating more particularly the construction of a detector employed in the machine of Fig. 1.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the receptacle ed therewith, this view also showing in section certain actuator operating mechanism employed in the machine of Fig. l.

.`F ig.'19 is a detail section on of Fig. 18.

Figs. 21, 22 and 23'are detail views illustrating the construction of an vactuator mechanism employed in the'machine shown in Fig. l.

Fig.'24 is a detail view illustrating the construction of certain sizing' blocks which may beemployed in the receptacle presenting devices.

Figs. 25, form of the construction shown in Fig'. 18. Figs. 28' and 29 are detail views illustraton the broken. line the line 19 Y 26 and 27 illustrate a modified l being constructed to provide a lling chamber 2, this chamber being formed in part by recessing the head and in part by a recessedblock 3 secured to the head in any suitable manner, as by screws 4. Where, as in the machine illustrated, charged water is to be bottled or packaged, it may be supplied from any suitable source, as, for instance, by a pipe 5 leading from any suitable source of supply, such, for instance, as a carbonator, not shown. The filling head receives its liquid through an inflow conduit 6 which may be formed in part by boring through the head and in part by aT-pipe 7, this pipe, in the particular constructlon shown, being provided with a cut-oli valve 8 of a usual type. The vertical portion of this T-pipe is provided with a collar 9 into which the pipe 5 leads. The iniiow of liquid through the conduit described may be controlled in any suitable manner, as, for instance, by a valve. The particular construction of valve mechanism employed for controlling this inflow conduit may be varied in wide limits. 1n the particular construction illustrated, the valve, marked l0, is carried on a stem 11 and seats itself against the lower end of a nipple 12 formed on a sleeve 13.v The particular means employed for operating the liquid in- .low controlling valve may be varied within wide limits. 1n machines embodying the construction in its best form, however, the construction employed will be of such a character as to provide for a quick opening and closing of the valve, so as to provide for a speedy operation of the machine. r1`he particular construction employed for obtaining the quick opening and closing referred to may be widely varied, but as shown, there is provided a sleeve 14 which takes over the upper end of the sleeve 13, the sleeve 14 being provided with a shoulder 15 against which a collar 16 on the upper end of the valve stem 1 1 seats. The sleeve 14 contains a spring-17 which bears against the upper end of the valve stem. A spring 18 is provided underneath the valve 10, this spring being held in position by a socket 19 in the lower end vor' the vertical portion of the T pipe 7. The upper end of the sleeve 14 is closed, by'a plug 20, and the sleeve is provided with a slot 22 which takes over a pin 2 1 in, the valve stein. llt will be apparent that Laarne? when pressure is exerted on the topot' the plug 20, the sleeve will move downward,

placing the spring 17 under tension, but the valve will not open until the pin 21 is reached by the upper end of the slot 22, after which a further downward movement of the sleeve willcompress the spring` 18 and open the valve.

In machines which embody the invention in its best form, means will be provided for locking the valve in its open position. While the means employed for this purpose may be varied, in the particular construction illustrated the sleeve 14 is provided with a lug 23. This lug when the valve is open, is 1n position to be engaged by the lower end of an inclined spring pressed lever 24 pivoted on a. pin 25 mounted in a bracket 26 secured to the machine frame.

ln the particular machine illustrated the downward movement of the sleeve 14 is el'ected by a suitable actuator. This actuator, when employed, may be varied widely.-

s shown, it consists (see Figs. 1 and 3) of a two-part construction, viz., a rod 27 and a sleeve 28. The particular construction of the actuator illustrated will be more fully described hereinafter, it being suilicient to say for the present that the rod and sleeve receive vertical movements at the proper times. The connections by which the aetuator operates the inlet valve may be varied and will vary according to the particular construction both of the actuator and the inlet valve mechanism. As shown, (see Figs. 2 and 8) the actuator is provided with an .arm 29 which overlies the top of the sleeve 14 so that as the actuator moves downward the sleeve is moved downward. In the particular construction illustrated, although the construction may be varied in this respect, the movement of the actuator is made effective for operating the locking lever 24 before referred to. As shown the arm 29 is provided with a second arm 30 which extends out behind the lever, the lower end of the lever being pushed forward vby a spring plunger 31 (see Fig. 3). As the actuator moves downward the plunger 31 pushes the lower end oi the lever over the lug 23 and thus effects ,the locking. moves up the arm 30 will push the lever over against the force oi the spring plunger and release the lock, permitting the spring 18 and the pressure of the water to quickly close the valve 10. 1t will be observed that the release of the lock does not take place until the actuator has vnearly completed its upward stroke.

When, as in the particular machine shown, syrup or Havoring extract is to be introduced, it may be eected by any suitable rsv the actuator construction. As illustrated, syrup is drawn through a pipe 32 leading from a suitable I which, as illustrated, is formed by boring rear-,soa

the casting which forms the head l. l The top of. this bore is closed by a cap34 through` which works a piston 35. The flow of the syrup into the. cylinder 33 is controlled by a puppet valve 36 of the ordinary type (see Fig. 13) and the syrup is discharged through a similar valve 37 which controls an opening 38-in the bottom of the cylinder, this opening communicating directly with the inflowl conduit 6. The valves 36 and 37 are supported inscrew caps 39, 40, .as usual in such constructions. The pump piston,

when a pump is employed for introducing syrup, may be operated in any suitable manner. In' the best constructions, however, itwill be operated from the actuator mech- 5 anism. ln the particular construction illus- `trated (seeFig. 2') the actuator rod is provided with an arm 41 having a fork 42 which surrounds a rod 43 screwed into the top of the piston 35. The upper end' of this rod 43 is provided WithY a knurled nut 44 which overlies the fork 42. As the actuator rod moves up the fork strikes the knurled nut 44 and raises the piston, andas the actuator moves down; the fork strikes the top of the piston 35 and drives. the pistn downward." of-the piston may be varied by'screwing'f-the -rod 43 of the piston into and out of the piston.- l

In bottling fcharged or carbonated liquids, the'filling chamber usually employed is provided withmeans for eecting a gas tight seal between the mouth ofthe receptacleto-be Vfilled 4and the filling chamber. When this is done, it usual to provide a venting conduit or passage to allow the escape of theairwhieh is driven .out -of the bottlevby the entrance of the liquid thereinto. Machines embodying the invention in its best form. will be provided with suchl venting' conduit, and in the best constructions embodying the invention this venting conduit will be open during the time the liquid is enteringr the receptacle and will be closed before the valve which controls the inflowconduit is closed. A construction in Vwhich the venting conduit remains open as above stated land is closed 'before theinlet valve for the intlowbonduit is closed possesses a marked advantage. The .air inthe receptacle to be filled is allowed to escape `freely and rapidly during the How of the liquid into the receptacle, so that there is no back pressure on the .entering current of liql uid. When, however,

" `.ta'l'olishes a gas pressure in the` lling chamber and receptacle which checks the inflow 'of'..the liquid. If, however, the inlet' valve -be opened at this time the pressure in the re ceptacle will become equalizedwith the pres- It will be understood that the stroke the desired amount of4 liquid has enteredthe receptacle the shutj tingl olf or closing of the ventin conduit essure in the carbonator or source from which thev liquid is obtained, so thatat the time the inlet valve is closed and' prior to the Iclos- 'ure applying operation, a pressure of vgas will have been established inthe receptacle which is equal to the gas pressure in the carhonator'. In bottling carbonated liquids it isdesirable toutilize the full gas pressure of the carbonator and also to obtain the' desired pressure of gas in the receptacle. In construetions in 'which the `inlet valve.v is closed before the venting or shifting vas it is sometimes called is completed, there is almost invariably a loss of gas in the receptacle. ln order, therefore, to obtain the desired pressure in thereceptacle it is necesla small escape opening 47 .leading to the l ports;

This tube is arranged to slide in a sleeve 48 `made up of a perforated block and a threaded perforated plug 49 provided with` a discharge passage 50 having ports 51.` lli' .desired',rthe top of the blockv may be provided witha cap 52 which forms a part of the stuiing boxconstruction, a packing/58 being placed around the tube andunder the cap. @ther packing, as indicated at 54 and 55, may be employed if desired; The ports f51'lead into the open space inthe head l.

lf desired, a pipe' 56: may be provided to'v allow .the escape of'gas Jfrom the head and also any foamwhich may be forced through the venting conduit. rll`he venting conduit- 45 is made movable through the'sleeve and at the time when it is in operative position the ports 46 are in register with the disf i .charge passage 50 in the sleeve. The 'venting tube remains in this position until the desiredv amount of. liquid has been introduced into theieceptacle.y The means for eEecting the movement ofthe venting tube when this construction is employed may be widely -varied, but in the .best constructions they should be of such a character as V- to as indicated,.forinstance, in Fig.4 9. lln the particular machine shown, the venting tube is operated from the actuator, the rod 27,

iis

before described (see Fig. 2) being provided l with an arm''' to'which the tube is connected; in :the best constructions embodying thel invention, the connection vbetween the-arm 57 and theA t be will be', a Safetywiae 12o cause thel'ower end of the ventingtube to A extend well into the mouth 'of the receptacle,

connection, thus allowing a yield in case of the misplacement of a closure or for other reasons. As shown, the arm 57 is provided at its outer end with a yoke 58 (see Figs. 2 and 6) the arms of the yoke being provided with spring pins 59 having beveled faces which engage in sockets in a collar 60 threaded on the upper end of the tube. In case the downward movement of the tube is obstructed,l the pins will slip out of the sockets and allow the actuator to move without moving the tube. rlShe pins may be provided with a handle, as 61, in order to enable the relation of the parts to be restored after the slip occurs.

lt has been heretofore stated that the tube 45 is provided with a narrow opening 47 which is employed in case it is desired to control the escape of air from the'tube, a needle valve, as 62`being employed, inthe particular machine shown, which operates in conjunction with the opening 47. This needle valve has a threaded upper end engaged by a' collar 63 for purposes of adjustment.

It has been heretofore stated that means are provided in machines in which liquids under pressure are to be packaged for establishing a gas tight seal between the mouth of the receptacle and the filling chamber,

and the machine which has been selected to embody the invention employs such sealing means. The particular construction of sealing means employed may be varied, but in the best constructions embodying the 'invention a sectional gasket will be employed, the parts of the gasket being arranged to be moved toward and away from the center of the receptacle, the movement away from the center of the receptacle permitting the introduction of the receptacle and the movement toward the center of the receptacle establishing the seal. While the construction of the gasket and the means for mounting and operating it may be varied, in the particular construction illustrated,

consist of two parts, 64, 65, the part 64 being mounted in a block 66 in turn carried by a yoke or frame 67 moving in guides 68 (see Fig. 4) in the block 3 before referred to. The part of the gasket is mounted in a frame block 69 which moves in guides 70 (see Fig. 7) in the yoke 67. ln the operation of the mechanism the blocks 66 and 69 are given a simultaneous movement toward andy away from each other to bring t0- gether and separate the parts of the gasket. This simultaneous movement may be eiected by any suitable means.

vided with a rod 71 (see Fig. 7') on which is mounted a sleeve 72 provided with slotted cam wings 78, the slots being marked 74, 75 respectively, (see Fig. 9).

(see ,Figs 6, 8 and 9) the sectional gasket will 1n the particular, Aconstruction illustrated the head 1 is pro- The sleeve and cam wings form a cam by' which the two-part frame formed by the yoke 67 and the frame and the frame block 69 are operated. As shown, the wings having the slots 74 engage pins 76 supported --in bearings in the side walls of slots 77 formed in a block 7 8 connected to the yoke 67 by knurled screws 79. rihe cam wings having the slots 75 engage pins 80 formed inthe side walls of slots 81 formed in a block 82 secured by screws 83 to the frame block 69. lt is apparent that as the sleeve 72 is rocked the parts' of the gasket will move toward and away from each other. In the particular machine shown the sleeve 72 is provided with an arm 84 to which is secured a link 85 made in two parts connected by a turn luckle 86 for purpose of adjustment (see 1g. 3 lever 87 pivoted at 88 to the machine frame and operated by a cam 89 (see Fig. 1) on the cam shaft 90 of the machine.

In machines embodying the invention means will be provided for properly supporting the receptacle in position with rcspectto the filling chamber. lVhilethese means may be varied, in machines which embodythe invention in its best form the support Will be of such character as to hold a plurality of receptacles and present them successively to the filling chamber. In the particular machine shown (see Figs. 3 and 18) the support comprises a table 91 above which is located a frame provided .with a plurality of receptacle holding sockets 92, the frame and table being mounted on a vertical shaft 93. In order to provide for receptacles of different size, the sockets may. be provided with interchangeable blocks 94 (see Figs.- 18 to 24) secured in position by pins 95, clearly illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that by substituting blocks of different thickness provision/is made for. handling bottles or other rece tacles of varying diameters.

rlhe means provided for giving the receptacle supporting means a movement to present the receptacles in succession to the fill-v acter. As shown, the shaft 93 (see Figs. 3,

28 and and 29) is provided` with a collar 96 which is provided on its top with teeth 97 and on its circumference with teeth 98. rIhe teeth 98 are engagedby a pawl 99 pivoted at 100 to a rock lever 101, the pawl bcing'held up to its duty by a spring 102. The lever 101 is pivotedon a stud 103 depending from the frame work of the machine and carries a roll 104 which engages with a cam 105 formed on' the side of a gear 106, the lever being held so that the roll contacts with a cam by means of a spring 107. The

gear 106 is mounted on the cam shaft 90,

and is the driving gear for that, shaft. This rlhis link is connected to a cam nagaat? 108 fast to a gear 109 mounted on a shaft 110, this gear 109 being engaged by a gear 111 on the main driving shaft 112. rlhe teeth 97 are engaged by a stop pawl 113 mounted on a stud 114 suitably supported in the frame, the pawl being controlled by a tcrsionspring 115. To prevent overthrow, the shaft 93 may be provided below the collar96 with ahub 116 engaged by a Ibrake strap 117, the construction being a usual one.

r1he movement of the socketed frame and table positions the receptacle beneath the filling chamber after which, in the particular machine shown, a relative movement is effected between the head and the receptacle for the purpose of bringing the receptacle into position where the sealing gasket may be closed around its mouth. While the construction may be lvaried in this respect, the relative movement is effected by moving-the receptacle. 1n order to accomplish this, in the particular machine shown, there is pr vided a plunger 118 surrounded by a casi yg 118' the lower end of 'which hasl a threaded part 119 which is engaged by a split nut 120. The split .nut is engaged by a yoke lever 121 pivoted on a rod 122 eXtending across the machine, this lever being provided with a cam roll 123 (see dotted lines in Fig. 3) which runs on a cam 124`m`ounted on the shaft 90. This cam is of the proper configuration to give the plunger an upward movement to bring the bottle within the range of action of the sealing gasket and hold it in that position while the sealing gasket is closed and the filling is eected.

The plunger and casing constitute a twopart lifting device of the type generally shown in the Painter Patent No. 638,354, the plunger being arranged to yield with respect to the casing to prevent undue pressure on and breakage of bottles. A complete illustration and description of this construction is lnot necessary, as it forms no partof the present invention, and any other suitable lifting device may be substituted therefor.

After the receptacle has been raised into filling position and the sealing gasket has closed, the actuator'rod is operated to'open the inlet valve in the inflow conduit, to expel the syrup which'has been drawn into the chamber 33 of the pump., and to bring thefv` venting. tube Ainto position'. The construction ofthe actuator rod has been generally hereinbeforedescribed. 1t' may be stated with respect to this actuator that while its construction may be varied, in machines emr bodying the mvention in its best form the actuator -will be normally inoperative and will be rendered voperativeby the. presence Vofa receptacle in prorne'r` position to be filled,

the vactuator remaining, inoperative' unless tlvlere is a receptacle in such' position. The

be varied in this respect, is constructed to berotated as well as to receive a vertical movement. As shown, the lower end of the sleeve 28 is provided with a threaded plug 127 into which extends the upper end of an operating rod 128 provided with a circular projection 129 which serves as a support for a ball bearing collar 130, the balls and other -part of the bearing being marked 131 and 132 respectively. rlhe rod 128 is held in plosition by means of a screw cap 133, as usual in such constructions. The lower end of the rod 128 is connected by a link 134 to a cam lever 135 mounted on the rod 122 and operated from a cam groove in a cam disk 136 mounted on the cam shaft 90.

The two-part actuator, when such an actuator is employed, should be constructed in such a way that the parts may be locked together when it is desired to render the actuator operative. `While various constructions might be adopted for this purpose,-in the particular machine shown the rod 27 is provided with a sleeve 137 having two flanged projections 138 which are segmental in form. The upper end of the sleeve 28 is provided with two `segment blocks 139, secured in the sleeve by means of screws, or in any other suitable manner. The segmental projections 138 overlie a shoulder 140 formed in the sleeve 28 and are so arranged as to underlie the endsl of the blocks 139. lt is apparent that by turning the sleeve 28 the ,blocks 139 willbe carried from the position shown in Fig. 22 to the position shown in Fig. 2 3, that is, from a position where the ends .of the blocks are over the space betweenr the proj ections 138 -to a position where they are over the projections. u When the parts are inthe position shown in Fig. 23 it is apparentthat any vertical movement of .the sleeve will move the rod 27 vertically. Y When, however,

' thelbest constructions embodying the invention they will be of such a character as to be rendered operative by the presence of a receptacle on the support and in filling position. In the particular machinev shown,l and `the parts are inthe position shown in Fig. V2.2, the sleeve ,will move idly without movreferring more particularly to Figs. 18, 19 and 20, there is employed a bent lever 141 pivo-ted on a stud 142 mounted in a bracket 143 extending from a part of the plunger 118 which is surrounded by the casing 118. llhe lever 141 has secured to it, by a screw 144, or in any other suitable manner, an angular operating block 145 so located as to be in the path of the receptacles in the sockets 92 as thev table is rotated, so that as a receptacle comes into positionit swings the lever 141 about its pivot. The lever 141 carries a rack 146 engagingiwith teeth 147 formed on the actuator sleeve 28. To prevent breakage, should there be any obstruction to the movement of the actuator sleeve, the rack is formed with a 'lV-head 148 which takes into a guiding recess in the lever 141,

the parts being held together by' a spring bolt 149,*l as clearly shown in Fig. 19. As the lever 141 swings, should there'be any obstruction to the movement of the sleeve 28,.

the spring bolt 149 will be forced'back and allow the lever to move without moving the rack.

' Figs. 25, 26 and 27 illustrate a modified form of mechanism which may be employed for operating the actuator sleeve. `In the construction shown yin these figures, the sleeve 28'is provided with teeth 147 which are engaged by segment teeth 150 formed on a segment lever 151 over which extends a guide 152. 'This lever ispivoted on aA stud 153 supported by a bracket 154 which corresponds to the bracket-143. A second lever 155 is provided which extends into the path of movement'of the receptacles, this lever being pivoted on the stud 153'. The lever 151is provided with an a'rm 156 carrying a stop block 157 and the lever 155 is provided witha projection 158 carrying a similar stop vblock 159, a spring 160 being located between these two blocks. rlfhe projection 158 is provided with a slot 161 which is engaged by a pin 162 on the lever 151. It is obvious that as a lreceptacleI strikes thelever the lever 151 will. be operated to turn `the sleeve, and that if the movement of the sleeve is obstructed the lever 155 will swing idly, compressing the spring without moving the lever 151.

Fig. 25 also illustrates hinged sockets 163 which may be employed instead of the sockets 92 shown in Fig. 18.

Machines embodying the invention in all its features will include meansfor applying closures tothe bottles after filling. While the closing means may be varied, in constructions embodying the invention in its best form, the constructionwill be such as to apply the` well-known crown cork and these crown corks will be introduced into the iilling chamber. While the construction by which the' crown corks are introduced into;the illing chamber may be varied, in

Leanser the particular machine .shown there is provided a selecting hopper 164 into which the crowns are thrown in a mass, the crowns being selected and fed one by one `down through a chute 165. chute and hopper are stationary, and the chute is provided (see Figs. 6 and 9) with a pivoted lower end or delivery portion 166. The side of thehead of the machine which forms the filling chamber is cut-away to form a cap port 167 through which the caps are introduced. The chute 166 will, in the best constructions embodying the invention, deliver the caps .or crowns to positioning devices located in connection with the filling o chamber. The construction of these positic-ning devices may be varied withinwide limits. As shown, there is provided a guide 168 located in the cap port and extending Somewhat forward into the filling chamber. Q- A slide 169 is provided which works in the fare delivered thereto, as illustrated in Fig. 6.

Machines which embody the invention in its best form will include a controller for determining the movement of the crowns 'through the chute. While the .construction of this controller may be varied, in the particular construction'illustrated it comprises a rock lever 172 provided with stop pins 173,

174 which work through perforations in a' reinforcing bar 175 mounted on the top of the chute, the top of the chute being provided with perforations which register with those in the bar. This rock-lever is mounted on a shaft 176 provided with an operating arm 177 having a slot 178 therein.

The means for operating the controller when a controller is employed may be varied within wide limits, but in the best constructions embodying the' invention will include a detector so as to prevent the controller from being operated to permit the feed of the crowns when there is a crown already in place on the positioning devices. ln the As illustrated, this particular machine shown (see Figs. 13 to 17 inclusive) this detector consists of a bent lever 179 pivoted on a stud 180 fast on the casting which :Eormsthe head, the lever be- Leanser tends to thro-w the bent lever into the position shown in Fig. 14, that is, with the arm 183 rocked downward.l .The stud 185 supports an arm 189 which isheld up to its duty by a spring 190. The parts when in normal position are shown in Fig. 13, inl

which it will be seen that one'side of the arm 189 rests against a projection 191 formed on the lever arm 183. An operating pawl 192 is provided, this pawl being pivoted on a. block 193 which is carried on a slide block 19t which will be hereinafter referred to. rlhis block has a reciprocating movement. When the parts are in the position. shown in Fig. 13, the pin 173 is down in the chute and holding, back the crowns, as illustrated in Fig. G. It may be remarked that the space between the pins 173 and 174 is about equal to the extreme diameter of a crown. slid-c block 194 moves to .the right, as the parts are shown in Fig. 13, the pawl 192 ivill be depressed against its spring and no operation of the parts will take place. When the slide has completed itsmovement to the right, the pawl will be a considerable distance beyond the end of the arm 189. As the slide moves to the left, the pawl 192 will strike the arm 189, as indicated in Fig. 14, and will rock the arm away from the projection 191. r1`liis permits the spring 188 to rock the bent lever downward and as the lever moves down it will move the detector lever 179 down into the positionshown in Fig. 17 provided there .is no crown on the positioning devices. This movement of the lever will rock the lever 172, withdrmv the pin 17 3 and permit the crowns to slide down so that the forward crown is against the pin 174. lf, however, there is a crown in place on the positioning devices the detector lever can only move down until its operating end 181 strikes the crown, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 15. The detector lever will, therefore, allow only a limited movement of the bent lever, and the movement of this lever which is transmitted to the rock lever 172 will be insufficient to raise the pin 173 out of the chute and, therefore, the crowns will not move forward.

lVhen the block 194 is moved sufficiently to the left so that the pawl 192 has passed the end of the lever 189 this lever will be thrown forward by its spring 190 and as its Hat surface strikes the projection 191 it will restore the `parts to the position shown in Figs. 13 and 6.

1f a'crown, in the operation as described, has passed thepin '173, it will now be freed and allowed to slide down onto the positiitning devices and he caught by the pawl 170. If, however, no crown has passed the pin 173 `As the none will be delivered to the positioning devices.

When the filling head is provided with a cap port and liquid under pressure is being packaged, it -is necessary to close the cap port before the filling operation takes place. While the means employed for this purpose may be varied, in the particular construction illustrated, the sliding block 194 operates to close the port. As shown, this block is provided with a gasket 195, a face view of the block and gasket being shown in Fig. 12. v

When, asin the construction illustrated, the positioning devices whatever their chara'cter may be, operate to hold the crown to one side of the path of the incoming liquid,v means should be provided for advancing the crown prior to the time it is to be applied to the receptacle, so that the applying devices may operate eiiiciently in connection therewith. While the means for accomplishing this result may be varied, as shown thel block carries a pusher 196 which is backedy up by a spring 197. As the block 194 advances the forward end of the pusher strikes the crown and pushes vthe slide 169 forward into the position shown in-Fig. 9,

the forward movement of the slide being limited by a stop of any suitable character., such as pin, not shown. The slide reaches itsforward position before the block 194 reaches the end of its forward movement so` that the further movement of the block after the slide stops places the spring 197 under tension. A. slide returning spring 1,98 is employed in the construction illustrated, this spring being fast to the slide and to a rest 199 which is located just back of the slide but not connected to it. rlhe block 194 is provided with a recess 200 which receives the rest 199 when the block is in its forward position. As illustrated in Fig. 9,

when the block 194 has completed its for' ward movement the tail of the pawl 170 is directly over the portion of the lip of the bottle shown in that figure.

Machines embodying the invention in its best form will, as has been indicated, include means for applying closures which will, of course, vary according to the character of closures employed. When the machine applies the well-known crown cork, the closure applying means should include a bending die, such, for instance, as the cone bending die illustrated at 201. A cap plunger of the usual type employed with such constructions should also be employed. j This plunger is marked 202 and is formed by a flanged sleeve secured on the end of the part 49 of the sleeve 48 before referred to. A backingup spring 203 shown as bearing on the flange of the bending die.

After the lling operation is Completed it is necessary, in machines of the character shown, to effect a relative movement between the receptacle and the cap applying devices in order to apply the cap. While this might be done in various ways, in the particular construction illustrated, it is done by moving the receptacle, this being effected by the plunger 118. The cam which operates this plunger is of such a character as to raise the receptacle into the range of action of the gasket, there being a dwell in the movement of the parts until the filling operation is completed. After the filling; operation is completed, the plunger receives a further upward movement, causing the receptacle to Slide through the sealing gasket fifi- 65. As the receptacle moves upward its lip will strike the tail of the pawl 170 and rock it downward, releasing the crown. Thespring 197 then acts to push forward the plunger 196 which advances the crown into a position where it is picked up by thelreceptacle as the receptacle is moved upward and is carried up by it against the cap plunger and into the bending die which operates to bend the flange inward, as-usual in such constructions.

It may be remarked that the pivoted lower end of the chute 166 is raised out of' the way by the forward movement of the block 194;. rlhis block may be operated in various ways. In the best constructions embodying the invention, however, a safety connection should be provided to prevent jamming or breaking in case of `any misplacement. As shown, the block is operated from the lever 87 before describedthrough a link 204 provided with an interposed spring cushion 205, as shown in Fig. 3.

While .the machine which has been described is exceedingly efficient for carrying the invention into effect, it will be understood that the mechanisms employed may be varied within wide limits without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

It will also be understood that certain features of the invention are capable of use independently of other features and that such independent use is contemplated.

What is claimed is:

1. In a filling and closure applying niachine for liquids under pressure, the combination with a filling chamber, of means for forming a gas tight seal between said chambei" and the mouth of the receptacle, an inflow conduit, means for opening the inflow conduit, a ventin conduit remaining open during substantiay the time the inflow conduit is open, means for regulating the flow through the venting conduit, means for closing the venting conduit when the desired amount of liquid has entered the receptacle, means for closing the inflow conduit after the venting conduit has been closed, and closure applying means.

2. In a filling and closure applying niachine f'oi` liquids under pressure, the combination with a filling chamber, of means for forming a gas tight seal between the chamber and the mouth oi a receptacle, an inflowv conduit, a vent tube having ports, means for controlling theflow through the tube and ports, a discharge conduit with which the ports are in register when the vent tube is in operative position, means for moving the vent tube to bring its ports out of register with the discharge conduit when the desired amount of liquid has entered the receptacle, means for closing the inflow conduit after the vent tube has been moved, and closure applying means.

3. 1n a filling and closure applyingmachine for liquids under pressure, the combination with a filling chamber, of means for forming a gas tight seal between said chamber and the mouth of a receptacle, an inflow conduit, a sleeve having a discharge conduit formed therein, a vent tube movable through the Sleeve and having ports which register with the discharge conduit when the tube is in 0p erative position, a regulating valve for the 'vent'tube, means for moving the tube to bring its ports out of register with the discharge conduitwhen the desired amount of liquid has entered the receptacle, and means for closing the inflow conduit after the vent tube has been moved, and closure applying means.

4. 1n a filling mechanism, the combination with an inflow conduit, of an inlet valve therein, a venting conduit, an actuator, op'- erating connections between the actuator and the venting conduit, and operating conf nections between the actuator and the inlet valve.

5. 'ln a filling mechanism, the combination with an inflow conduit for charged liquid, of i an inlet valve therein, means for supplying syrup to the iniow conduit, a venting conf duit, an actuator, and operating connections between the actuator, the inlet valve, the syrup supplyingmeans, and the venting conduit. A

6. Ina filling mechanism, the combination with an infiow conduit, of an inlet valve therein, a venting conduit, a support for the receptacle to be filled, .an actuator rendered operative or inoperative bythe presence o1;

absence of a receptacle on the support, oper- ,y y

ating connections between the actuator and the venting conduit, and operating connections between the actuator and the inlet valve.

7 ln a filling mechanism, the combinar' tion with an inflow conduit for charged liquid, of an inlet valve therein, ymeans for supplying syrup to the inflow conduit, a

ventin conduit, a support for the receptacle to be lled, an actuator rendered operative or inoperative by the presence or absence of a receptacle on the support, operating connections between the actuator, the inlet valve, the syrup supplying means and the venting conduit.

8. ln a filling mechanism for liquids under pressure, the combination with a filling chamber, of an inflow conduit for the liquid, an inlet valve, a venting conduit, a support adapted to receive a plurality of receptacles, means for operating the support to present the receptacles successively to the filling chamber, a normally inoperative actuator, means in the path of movement of the receptacles on the support for rendering the actuator operative, and operating connections between the actuator and the inlet valve and venting conduit.

9. ln a filling mechanism, the combination with a filling chamber, of an inflow conduit for charged liquid provided with an inlet valve, means for supplying syrup to the inflowconduit, a venting conduit, a support adapted to receive a plurality of receptacles, means for operating the support to present the receptacles successively to the filling chamber, a. normally inoperative actuator, means in the path of movement of the receptacles on the support for rendering the actuator operative, and operating connections between the actuator, the inlet valve, the syrup supplying means and the venting conduit.

10. ln a filling and closure applying mechanism, the combination with a filling chamber, of an inflow conduit, an inlet valve for the conduit, a support for the receptacle to be filled, a closure applying means, means for effecting a relative movement between the closure applying means and the support, a venting conduit, an actuator connections between the actuator and the inlet valve whereby the movement ofthe actuator opens the valve, a lock for holding the valve open, connections between the actuator and the venting conduit whereby the actuator operates the venting conduit, means for releasing the lock, and means for effecting a quick closing of the inlet valve after the lock is released. Y

11. In a filling mechanism, the combination with a head provided with a filling chamber, of a two-part frame one part of the frame sliding in the other and each part carrying a gasket section, and means foreecting a movement of both parts of the frame to bring the gasket into operative or inoperative position. v

l2. In a filling mechanism, the combination with a head provided with a filling chamber, of a frame comprising a yoke and a slide and each part carrying a gasket secf-A tion, guides in the head in which the yoke moves, guides in the yoke in which the slide moves, a cam, and V connections `from.

the yoke to the camand from the slide to the cam whereby a simultaneous movement kof the yoke and slide is effected.

13. ln a filling mechanism, the combination with a head having a filling chamber, of a yoke slidingly mounted therein, a slide mounted in the yoke, said slide and yoke each carrying a gasket section, a rocking cam supported in the head, and connections from the cam to the slide and from the cam to the yoke. 14. ln a filling and capping machine, the combination with a head having a filling chambeigprovided with a cap port, of cap positioning means, a chute for the caps, a controller for governing the -feed of the caps through the chute, a detector for controlling the operation of the controller, and means for supplying liquid' to the lling chamber.

15. ln a filling and capping machine, the combination with a head having a .filling chamber provided with a cap port, of -cap positioning means, a chute for the caps, cap positioning devices, a. controller for governing the feed of the caps through the chute, a detector for controlling the operation of the controller, a plunger for advancing the caps when released from the positioning means, means for sealing the cap port, and means for supplying liquid to the filling chamber.

16. lin a filling and capping machine, the combination withV a head having a filling chamber provided with a vcap port, of cap positioning devices, a chute for the caps, a rocking controller for controlling the feed of the caps through the chute, a detector, connections between the detector and the controller whereby the position of the detector controls the operation of the controller, cap advancing means, means for sealing the cap port, and means for supplying liquid to the filling chamber.

17. In a ,filling and capping machine, the combination. with a head having a .filling chamber provided with a cap port, of cap positioning means, a chute for supplying caps thereto, a detector, a controller for vdetei-mining the feed of the caps through the chute, connections between the detector and the controller whereby the detector controls the movement 'of the controller, a port sealing means, andV yielding operating connecthe caps through the chute, a detector, connections between the detector and the controller whereby the detector controls the the detector and the controller whereby the detector controls the movement of the controller, yielding operating connections between the sealing block and the controller, and means for supplying liquid to the lling chamber.

20.v In a -illing and capping machine, the

. combination with a head provided with a filling chamber having a cap port, of a stationary cap chute having apmovable end, a sealingvblock for the cap port, 4means for giving the block a right line movement, cap positioning means,V means for controlling the feed ofthe caps through the chute,'and 4 means for, supplying liquid to the lling chamber.

2l. lin a lling and capping machine, the

i combination 4with a head provided with a lling chamber having a cap port, of a stationary cap chute having a movable end a sealing block'for the cap port, means or giving the block aright line movement, a

spring operated cap advancing plunger car-A ried by' the sealing block, cap positioning means means for controlling the feed of the caps through the chute, and means for'sup, plying liquid to the filling chamber.

' 22. The' combination-with a head having a iilling chamber provided with acap port,

of a sealing block for lthe cap port, cap positioning devices, a Springboperated cap advancing plunger carried y the block, a detector, a ,controllerv for determining the feed of the caps'through the chute, connections between the detector and the controller whereby lthe detector determines the movement of the controller, and yielding operat'- ing connections between the controller and the sealing block.

' 23.` In a filling and capping machine the combination with a head having a filling chamber providedwith a cap port, of a sealing block-for the port, cap positioning devices, means for supplying` caps thereto, and operating means for the sealing block 'includingra safety connection/whereby jam.

mingvof caps when out of position 1s pref vented.

24. The combination, with a head provided with a filling;` chamber, a support for receptacles, and means for moving said supltro port to carry a receptacle beneath said chalnber of a two-part actuator arranged to conl the operation of the liquid supplying means, means controlled' by the receptacle for locking the two parts of the actuator together, and meansy independent of the support for operating the actuator.

25. rlhe combination with a head pro- 4vided with a filling chamber, of means for supporting a receptaclebeneath the chamber, a two-part actuator, means controlled by the presence of a receptacle on the support for locking the parts of the actuator together in order to render it operative, and

means-for operating the actuator while thereceptacle is stationary laterally.

26. 'llhe combination with a head provided with a filling chamber, of liquid supplying means including an inlet valve, a two-part actuator, a receptacle support, means for operating one of the parts while the receptacle is stationary laterally, and means controlled by the presence of a receptacle on the support for locking the parts' of the actuator together to render it operative.

27. The combination with a iilling chamber, of means for supplying liquid thereto including an inlet valve, an actuator rod, a sleeve, means for operating the sleeve, means for locking the sleeve and rod together, a receptacle support, and means controlled by the presence or absence of a receptacle on the support for operating the sleeve to render the locking means operative.

28. The combination with a head provided with a filling chamber, of liquid supplying. devices including an inlet valve, a rotary support adapted to sustain a plurality, of receptacles, a lever, one end of which lies in the path of the receptacles on Ithe support, a normally inoperative actuator for the inlet valve operable independent of the rotation of the support, andmeans controlled by the movement of the lever for rendering the actuator operative.

29. The combination with a head pro.

vided with a filling chamber, of liquid supplying devices including an inlet valve, a rotary support adapted to sustain a plurality of receptacles, a lever in the path of the support, an actuator rod, a sleeve, locking devices between the rod and the sleeve, and means whereby the movement of the lever operates the sleeve to render the locking'devices operative.

30. rllhe combination with a head provided with a filling chamber,of a vent tube, means for moving the vent tube through the filling chamber, and A means including a saety connection for operating the vent tu e.

31. The'eombination with a head proreame? l im,

vided With a filling tube, of'means for supplying liquid tothe llng chamber, closure applying devices, a vent tube movable through the filling chamber, an actuator for operating the vent tube; and a safety connetion between the actuator and the vent tu e.

lu testimoy whereof, have hereunto set my hand, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses. e

l FREDERICK W. LETSCH.

Vltnesses:- Y

M. M. LA PORTE, W. A. Woon., 

